Martinez eager to extend Wednesday loan

Arsenal goalkeeper Damien Martinez says he’s keen to further extend his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday having forced his way into the first team at Hillsborough.

The 21-year-old, who has a single cap for Argentina under his belt already, initially made the move to Yorkshire as an emergency signing in October but had the month-long stint extended last month and has since made five appearances for the struggling Championship outfit.

Eager to play more first team football rather than return to Arsenal where he’d be fourth in the pecking order, Martinez told the BBC Radio Sheffield:

“I love Wednesday. I really want to stay here and extend my contract. I spoke to Arsenal and I said I will not be going back to the club as first choice so I need to play.

“I want to give my team clean sheets and that is what all goalkeepers want. I was giving everything in training and then I got a chance to play in the first team and show every game that I can be the number one.

“I want this club to get out of the relegation zone. I know we can do it because we have good players and we are working hard for it.”

Martinez is currently keeping ex-England man Chris Kirkland on the bench and recently helped Wednesday earn their first clean sheet in 19 games in a 1-0 win over Watford.

Ended up at the Wednesday game last night. Made a couple of really good saves and the goal he did concede he never had a chance with. Looks like a good prospect so it would be great for him to get some more first team action.

The quality of Wednesdays defending he’s going to be busy if he’s going to help them stay up.